The Evolution of Wednesday Addams

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Wednesday Addams may not age, but she has evolved. For this video, we’ll be looking at how the character has changed over the past 80+ years, from the New Yorker to Netflix. Our countdown includes Jenna Ortega, Christina Ricci, Lisa Loring, and more! Who's YOUR favorite Wednesday? Let us know in the comments!
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#Wednesday #WednesdayAddams #Netflix #TheAddamsFamily #JennaOrtega

[@MsMojo]

We're excited to announce that The WatchMojo Game (wmojo.com/game) is here and available now on Amazon! Canada and UK now in stock! wmojo.com/game_canada wmojo.com/game_uk

[@november3904]

Jenna Ortega ❤

[@nerd26373]

Seems like Wednesday Addams is one of the greatest characters to have ever come to life onscreen.

[@downex2833]

agree

[@MediaBuster]

Yeah, no...

[@sumaiyaewing]

@@MediaBuster yeah yes

[@MediaBuster]

@@sumaiyaewing Yeah hell no

[@sumaiyaewing]

@@MediaBuster yeah hell yes

[@scottsummers4234]

Christina Ricci made the character iconic but Jenna Ortega did a good job with her version as well

[@2nerC9]

It seems like a worst version to me but she did do a good job no doubt

[@Palpac]

Jenna Ortega is the best version I think.

[@GelliannaR_]

I think Jenna Ortega has the iconic looks even Christina Ricci👗🖤

[@glaznflip1501]

Jenna was aight …. No one can touch Christina Ricci

[@aajess7080]

Jenna ortega just looks bored and wtf is that bangs. Christina ricci looks eery and mysterious.

[@denisefreitas6727]

Christina Ricci will always be my favorite Wednesday, but i love Jenna Ortega's work in the new series.

[@sixfoursoul2538]

I pick Lisa Loring over Ricci any day.

[@roseanntrump3844]

EXECUTIVE ROSEANN AOINTEDONE PROPHETIC MINISTRIES INC 🕊️⌛👻

[@shellbell6190]

Agreed

[@shellbell6190]

@@sixfoursoul2538 you pick wrong

[@angelaholmes8888]

Christina Ricci was brilliant in the role of Wednesday love her ❤❤❤❤😊

[@amandageyman8033]

Christina Ricci is an ICON!!!

[@doyleismylastname]

Christina Ricci will ALWAYS be Wednesday Addams...but Jenna Ortega just gave this new generation their version of Wednesday!

[@little.venice.b]

Christina ricci was born for this role

[@shellbell6190]

You're so right 💀👍🏻

[@diane5140]

Christina Ricci is the best!

[@edgaracajabon9522]

I like Christina Ricci character better not to say that Ortega did bad but l feel Christina Ricci gravitated the character more

[@sarahwales6276]

Christina Ricci was the Best!!

[@lexterjohnsapuay5935]

Christina Ricci made the wednesday character so iconic! Her portrayal is much more sarcastic and dark and funny ❤

[@virlinehonore9767]

I grew up with Christina’s Wednesday but it’s cool to see other variations of her. Jenna was incredible as Wednesday 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@tygressblade]

Luis Guzman portrayed the best kind of father…and Wednesday affirms that beautifully.

[@sysiphekawana]

Aubrey Plaza would be PERFECT for an older Wednesday adaptation

[@marcuscarlson2788]

I was thinking the same thing

[@henriquemonteiro7245]

I agree

[@user-ix1rp9ff3p]

heavens I can see this lol

[@Readysetgo2007]

Haha good idea. She would nail the awkwardness for sure. 🙂

[@thegumballwatterson]

Single mother with 3 children, I can see it.

[@jiannasworld3866]

Fun fact: Christina Ricci played Marilyn Thornhill (aka Laurel Gates) in Wednesday

[@shaem8182]

*Christina Ricci is the best and my forever Wednesday Addams 🖤* she did Wednesday so naturally(back to when there were no acting coaches like now) and i think that’s brilliant

[@SPQSpartacus]

Happy that Melissa Hunter gets recognized here. Adult Wednesday was Genius. The Copyright owners really should have worked with her.

[@eyetrollin710]

I think the fact that they canceled her rather than working with her proves that they were only after cash she couldn't pay them enough for the rights Netflix could,, and it really is sad because Melissa Hunter looked more like the character. Jenna Ortega will grow up to be a beautiful woman but her face shape is all wrong for Wednesday and no amount of makeup can alter your jaw

[@moderndaymowgli]

I actually learned a lot from this video! Very cool. 🤘🏼

[@angelaholmes8888]

I enjoyed the tv show Wednesday jenna Ortega did a good job making the character her own

[@hip2besquare1972]

It was refreshing to see that they built the show squarely around Wednesday, I always liked her best of the entire Addams family clan, she has always reminded me of how I was in high school, so I can really relate to the biting wit and gloomy attitude. I hope that they continue the show.

[@Readysetgo2007]

I think they will. I mean, so many people have watched the series. And in the end she writes on the paper "The end?". Think that kinda opens for a second season. 🙂

[@satori03]

Cannot get better than Christina Ricci

[@iamkintoru6453]

Bro, Jenna Ortega just exploded with the goth look. Her expressions and voice tone just carry everything out perfectly, and her personality in 2022 only fit her vibe even more. This show on Netflix is the ONLY thing that could ever get me to love the Addams family and it probably will be the only thing that ever got me to.

[@the_empath_etc]

Until they cancel it because of money

[@SmileAndwave4854]

Simp

[@coffee_bearzz2261]

@the_empath_etc They did not cancel the show- that was just season 1 and I am pretty positive that they are gonna be making a season 2 because they left us on a cliff-hanger so..

[@DjPillou]

Jenna Ortega is fine in the current version, but Christina Ricci will forever be the best !!!❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@A_Rose_From_Concrete]

Because I'm a 90s baby, I never knew of any Wednesdays before Christina Ricci. Her and Jenna Ortega are my favorite Wednesdays

[@lilyannaalmond179]

I agree those are mine too.

[@Olivetree80]

Same, but that dance the original Wednesday did is iconic and adorable

[@tomomi.tsumayu]

Totally agree!

[@Readysetgo2007]

Maybe you should watch all these versions to know for sure. :P

[@i.i1215]

I’m 1994 and never knew much about Christina Ricci. I suspect a 1999 baby will relate more with Jenna

[@hhq9423]

Ricci was next level 🔥 Yes Jenna did good as well

[@greatfilmmaker]

CHRISTINA IS THE GREATEST!!!

[@shellbell6190]

Yes

[@starpixelproduction7571]

Truly

[@delilahgambano8812]

I love the Christina Ricci's version 💖

[@Maddzeditz1]

Tbh I think Jenna played Wednesday best she looked so good!

[@ISLA_1122]

Yeah she played it the best 8:40

[@SmileAndwave4854]

Simp

[@shaem8182]

U guys have to watch The addams family values i think Christina Ricci was amazing there and her sarcasm as Wednesday was brilliant

[@roseanntrump3844]

EXECUTIVE ROSEANN AOINTEDONE PROPHETIC MINISTRIES INC 🕊️⌛👻👹

[@Maddzeditz1]

@@dshunhall3793 ...

[@ojdidit84]

I grew up in the 90s with Cristina Ricci as Wednesday. I could never see anyone one else as Wednesday until Jenna Ortega came along. She really knocked it out of the park. Cherry on top was Ricci playing Marilyn Thornhill.

[@SConArt87]

THANK YOU for mentioning the Broadway Wednesday!! So many just leave her out of these lists!

[@YannFranck]

Christina Ricci and Jenna Ortega are my fav Wednesday

[@Chips_bois]

My favorite is the 60's addams family tv show,the 90's movies and of course the newest one

[@gallaxian]

I like the 60’s version, portrayed by Lisa Loring - cute and disturbing. She had a duality that the others lack.

[@lonelysadperson5030]

well, you cant make a 17 year old cute and disturbing, maybe like a hunted doll or something, but I think that he has a natural evolution

[@Readysetgo2007]

Don't they all have that duality? Or what's so special about Lisa's duality? Which versions have you seen btw, besides the one with Lisa in it?

[@gallaxian]

@@Readysetgo2007 The later versions were older - pre-teens or teens - and, IMO, lacking in girlish charm.

[@CheshireCesare]

Yes! She had a sort of innocence about her, like Oh yeah this is just how my family/ world is, like it was just natural, and it even had us as the audience convinced as well even though we’d sometimes see the contrast when “outsiders” would occasionally meet them and freak out a little, haha

[@gallaxian]

@@CheshireCesare Yes, the “Wednesday Shuffle” dance she taught Lurch was cute - and contemporary. She had acquired tastes from both of the worlds she inhabited but was too naive to realize her family would be viewed as eccentric by outsiders.

[@WadeWarner711]

My favorite is the live action version of Wednesday. As in the Netflix original series. I just can’t wait for season two!

[@doyleismylastname]

Lets all not forget just HOW GREAT CHRISTOPHER LLOYD’S PERFORMANCE WAS AS UNCLE FESTER!!!!!

[@amphetamean66X]

Ricci and Ortega are both Amazing! I can't wait to get a season 2 from Ortega.

[@keroppifrog633]

Can I just say....I know it's a modern world and the other characters of Wednesday are older. But honestly. Jenna Ortega's Wednesday is....MINDBLOWING. The not blinking, the face, the posture, everything is spot. on. What a frickin legend at 20 years old.

[@JustGia1947]

It's always Christina Ricci the best. ✨😍

[@marquisballard9801]

1. Christina Ricci 2..Jenna Ortega

[@sixfoursoul2538]

1. Lisa Loring 2. Jenna Ortega 3. Christina Ricci

[@marquisballard9801]

@@sixfoursoul2538 Nice Sarcasm 😆 🤣 😂

[@shellbell6190]

Yes

[@shellbell6190]

@@sixfoursoul2538 no

[@sixfoursoul2538]

@@shellbell6190 well, I guess that’s why they’re called opinions we all have one 😂

[@jeromealford4279]

I was born in 1990 and I will always love Christina Ricci ♥️. 80's and 90's movies were the best 9f all time!

[@ANGRYTRUMP2024]

i agree and this new wednesday is poop

[@shellbell6190]

Yes

[@shellbell6190]

​@@ANGRYTRUMP2024 no

[@ANGRYTRUMP2024]

@@shellbell6190 yes the 90s wednesday blows this fugly weird looking ortega away!

[@wardenai7650]

Christina Ricci was my favorite

[@garrettcampbell1466]

Jenna did a great job with the character of Wednesday.

[@dcdou7967]

Christina Ricci ❤ She's just too much ❤

[@harrybalsak916]

NO ONE could ever replace Lisa Loring. She was simply adorable and a little creepy at the same time. RIP Lisa.

[@SukkJaSaabas]

I loved the non deadly games they had before Netflix series. In the series there was a fear of death that didn’t seem to be so Addams family like. I missed that quirk.

[@theresaiwright7085]

Lisa, Christina and Jenna are my favorite Wednesday's.

[@figuenew]

Those are the only Wednesday's in my book

[@joyceleeper7247]

My favorite Wednesdays also

[@awakeningfaith2290]

Nah, Christian Ricci is the best.

[@ISLA_1122]

After Jennifer (new one)

[@diane5140]

Definitely Ricci!

[@shaem8182]

@@ISLA_1122 Christina Ricci’s acting skills was more natural and she def nailed Wednesday role. She was brilliant and yeah Jenna did a great job too but sorry Christina is already an icon. New artists now including Jenna had their acting coaches. Try to watch The Addams Family Values and u’ll see what we meant

[@shellbell6190]

Yes

[@DoctorBudgie1443]

Yes

[@DamienReaper_PrinceofHalloween]

Finally people are looking at the whole history of The Addams Family, There's just so many outside of Christina and Jenna's version and Hopefully many get rewatched. The New Addams Family series is on youtube people really should check it out, as to the original Addams Family. Unsure if any of the cartoons are around but the musical would be the hardest to find. If I was Netflix or Amazon I'd get all the versions streaming. Think 80+ years of the Addams Family.

[@Batman44456]

Christina ricci felt natural . Jenna kinda feels like an character Btw she did a good job though

[@givenopinion]

I am 90's child... Christina Ricci is my favorite

[@user-zq7dk4fk2y]

I'm not sure about this new Wednesday Addams since I haven't watched the series yet. But I swear I see her all over the internet. I'm for sure all about the Wednesday from the '90s. I grew up in the early 2000s and she was part of my childhood. I'm in my 20's. I'm goth now and 90's Wednesday is my icon so far.

[@Readysetgo2007]

Are you gonna watch the series? Btw, what does it mean to be goth? Just curious to know if it's just about clothing style or if it's also about life style.

[@user-zq7dk4fk2y]

@@Readysetgo2007 yes

[@user-zq7dk4fk2y]

@@Readysetgo2007 Being goth means you listen to goth music. Goth is a music-based subculture. The fashion is based on how the music artists used to dress. Some goths read gothic literature. Being goth also means you have an interest in the darker things in life. You find beauty in darkness. that is the shortest answer I can give you. I highly encourage you to do your own research. Goth has a long history and the subculture has been around since the 80s.

[@user-zq7dk4fk2y]

@@Readysetgo2007 There are various types of goth music but I am familiar with trad goth music. Examples of trad goth bands are The Cure, Siouxsie and The Banshees, Bauhaus, etc. In the dance scene in the new series, the girl who plays Wednesday in the new series, she was interviewed and she talks about how her dance moves were influenced by some of the goth bands like Siouxsie and The Banshees. The song playing in the scene is Teenage Goo Goo Muck played by The Cramps. The Cramps IDK if you consider them a goth band but a lot of goths know about them. I like their music.

[@user-zq7dk4fk2y]

@@Readysetgo2007 also gothic literature is mostly from the 18th century. Popular works are "Mary Shelley's Frankenstein," "Bram Stoker's Dracula," "Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," possibly works by Edgar Allan Poe, and so on.

[@donovandelaney3171]

Melissa Hunter should be getting credit for coming up with the Wednesday series.

[@sixfoursoul2538]

1. Lisa Loring 2. Jenna Ortega 3. Christina Ricci

[@shellbell6190]

1. Christina Ricci 2. Jenna Ortega 3. Lisa Loring

[@DoctorBudgie1443]

​@@shellbell6190 your list is perfect

[@wargames43]

I do hope we get more seasons and maybe even a full Adams family spin off with the same cast

[@parasee2316]

Christina introduced the best version of Wednesday we love but Jenna improved on that and took it to the next level

[@gretaberry4983]

This is a great show 👍🏽

[@downex2833]

i didnt know that the addams family have a such long story its been 54 years since the fisrt show, and they are still best

[@the_empath_etc]

54???

[@downex2833]

@@the_empath_etc yeah the The Addams Family its 54 years old first record was in 1964

[@toddmcdonald1028]

My favorite Wednesday Addams are the 60's Wednesday, Christina Ricci, The one in the Scooby-Doo Movies, The 1990's cartoon version, & Jenny Ortega

[@RowanPigott]

These are all great shows/News comics. The Addams are always great :)

[@mauri9289]

12:55 that really got me in the heart ❤

[@adm1ral_lindsay]

My favourite Wednesday portrayals are Christina and Jenna! They did such a great job on portraying wednesday!

[@TheVetoSkreeemer]

Melissa Hunter made my favorite Wednesday Addams. I am still waiting for more seasons.

[@countryredneck7581]

Christina Ricci and Jenna Ortega are the best Wednesdays.

[@thegorn68]

RIP Lisa Loring (2/16/1958 -1/28/2023). The original on screen Wednesday.

[@ZoneXavierr]

Jenna is my favorite portrayal of Wednesday. Christina Ricci made the character iconic, but Jenna knocked it out of the damn park. She had 8 episodes to kill it and she did in everyone. There’s depth to the character the way we’ve never seen before.

[@sixfoursoul2538]

Have you even seen Lisa Loring? she is the real Wednesday.

[@vikash7660]

Ghanta

[@shellbell6190]

Jenna is good, but Christina is the BEST

[@sixfoursoul2538]

​@@shellbell6190 I personally think Jenna is far more memorable that Christina, Christina is not even that Memorable in her current role in this. Jenna will be remembered for years to come and will spawn many sequels that dance alone she did is already etched in pop culture history. christina was good , but nothing that memorable as the years went by..and continuing talking about her is pointless, its the past now.

[@starpixelproduction7571]

​@@shellbell6190 I agree. I love them both,though

[@SPQSpartacus]

Christina Ricci very much worth watching in her later roles too. Check out Prozac Nation, Black Snake Moan and of course Monster.

[@amandawilkinsontarot7096]

Agreed

[@BB13131313]

Can't forget Buffalo '66.. it's one of her best films and performances..

[@duanebrodnick5212]

I really enjoyed the series and Jenna did a fantastic job with the character. My own concern is with Luis Guzman. Although actors who played Gomez were good looking, I'm not wild about him. Maybe he'll grow on me in season two.

[@Readysetgo2007]

If you close your eyes and only hear him say his lines, how you feel about him then? :P

[@jormamakinen9845]

❤️ her 🙂 "I cant swim" 😂

[@samuelcollantes1175]

I only knew the 2019 and this new Jenna's 2022 version, Also ,fun fact , this character's name in My country is "Merlina" (like "Merlin" but with an A) anywho, happy friday Ms mojo and nice video about Wednesday as well. See you soon and happy holiday Season as well , take care and greetings from Colombia.

[@lucapellari5985]

En Brasil se llama Quarta-feira, la traducción literal de Wednesday en Lengua Portuguesa.

[@lucapellari5985]

En Brasil se llama Quarta-feira, la traducción literal de Wednesday en Lengua Portuguesa.

[@samuelcollantes1175]

@@lucapellari5985 wow, al menos aqui alguien habla español, que buen dato amiga (o amigo)

[@beltransalasgarcia6005]

En España la llamamos miércoles

[@samuelcollantes1175]

@@beltransalasgarcia6005 que buen dato

[@ErnestJay88]

Basically she's evolved from side character that's only get few minutes of screentime to the main title of the series.

[@gregizewhigham6159]

So basically what I call the Harley Quinn effect where the characters is meant be somewhat of a one off or very minor character that ppl then gravitates towards and becomes their own massive star.

[@Nightp0ol12]

During the dance scene in the most recent Wednesday series, Jenna Ortega actually had Covid at the time and she had to have medicine in betweeen shots and it was really hard for her to do, as she was tired but she pushed through and made it an amazing scene.

[@danawhiteside2301]

Great overview of the progression of the character Wednesday through the years. I too marveled at Christina Ricci's portrayal of the role; and find that Jenna Ortega's is that perfect mix which pays homage to earlier characterizations while making the brooding teen her own creation. The Netflix series "Wednesday" is thoroughly enjoyable and shows Ortega to be a true revelation. The end of the first season would portend a continuation of series. High hopes for what a potential Season 2 might bring.

[@deviandrianto]

Yeah, I like Netflix version of Wednesday Addams. Jenna Ortega did a great job 👍🏻

[@jb791e8]

I would say Christina Ricci sculpted Wednesday's success right now. She is the best and the iconic Wednesday. Christina seems so natural. Whilst Jenna is purely a character. Nevertheless,they both did excellent.

[@roseanntrump3844]

EXECUTIVE ROSEANN AOINTEDONE PROPHETIC MINISTRIES INC 🕊️

[@tylergannon7398]

Latinx isn’t a thing. Latino is the correct and gender neutral term. You could have said Hispanic too if the entire Spanish language and culture is too problematic for you.

[@mayloo2137]

Lisa Loring is my favorite Wednesday. She was about more than looking creepy and a dance. And had more than one facial expression.

[@Paula-on8vs]

I love Christina Ricci version.

[@kimberlylewis6734]

RIP Lisa Loring ❤️🙏🏾

[@NeddyMontz]

Wednesday on Netflix 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@caraziegel7652]

Loved this! I had really only ever seen the tv series from the 60s, so I missed all the other iterations (except maybe the scooby do episode and spinoff)

[@clarasalinassanchez3705]

Christina Addams and the Charles Addams cartoon in the New Yorker. But Jenna Ortega makes a great job.

[@jonathanmills8674]

Jenna’s character is so awesome

[@carmensandiego3691]

I prefer the original Wednesday from the original '60s sitcom series of The Addams Family. She was a cute little girl who just happened to like playing with dolls with no heads not a depressed teenager

[@IJustReallyLikeFrogs7]

I FULLY agree I love Jenna and she’s great same for Christina but it’s better when she is unaware that she’s weird

[@poetrynfilm4910]

I'm sorry, but a kid liking to play with dolls that don't have heads is not depressing to you?

[@DarkFactory]

Christina Ricci from the multiverse: Wednesday Christina Ricci in the Wednesday: The hidden boss

[@morganhull-xs7sx]

Great job on your Adams family video

[@madgemackles4337]

For me, Ricci effortlessly played the role, Jenna “played” the role.

[@icynishia1723]

Right people don't understand me what I say that. Ricci made Wednesday seem natural and like the character was just talking. Jenna seemed like she read from a script.

[@the_empath_etc]

Agree with the first part, disagree with the second. They both effortlessly played her, but it also required a lot of effort. Not everyone can be an actor, and no every actor has limitless talent.

[@madgemackles4337]

@@icynishia1723 which isn’t bad at all

[@madgemackles4337]

@@the_empath_etc you’re trying to make a point and I respect the effort

[@attylee]

Rest in peace, Lisa. You'll always be Wednesday❤

[@shaem8182]

Jenna had more time to show her talent coz hers was a series, and most of u who didnt grew up with christina wud def say shes the best and i understand that. But if Christina Ricci had a series as a Wednesday she’d definitely kill it as well. However i still think that Christina Ricci is the best and prettiest Wednesday Addams at all time, she is already an icon. (It’s rly nice that she’s included in the series) I thought she was pretty and charming at first look, i (didnt like Jenna as Wednesday til the 2nd episode). christina played the dark sarcastic and funny Wednesday naturally, i can remeber the iconic scene where she tried to smile and i think that was brilliant. Try to watch the Addams Family Values first and u’ll see what i mean. However they made the series darker and Wednesday is different here, which should be incomparable from Christinas

[@fujoshi_potatohead371]

I’m a big sucker for Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday Addams

[@deborahfairley4962]

I'm 57 and love the all of them that have been made but the newest one is my favourite

[@MelissaH1977]

Wednesday is great. My favorite Wednesday is the Addams Family 2 Movie

[@johnbayern6519]

Wednesday 2022 take it on an another level

[@donovandelaney3171]

Wenclair. Love it. Need more.

[@MarkL0360]

Rest in Peace, Lisa Loring, the OG Wednesday

[@abhishekkapoor8607]

Jenna was born to play that role.....

[@shellbell6190]

Christina too, she's the best

[@ZeePark21]

Our tuxedo kitten is named Wednesday after this character (Jenna's). She doesn't blink and literally look empty 😩

[@johanstenfelt1206]

Hm, what a interesting journey the character has gone through. Personally, while I am mostly familiar with the 1992 Cartoon Version, based on what I’ve seen so far, I say each and every one of these different versions all seems pretty interesting in their own right.

[@johnnyfountainS]

The best Wednesdays are Christina Ricci and Adult Wednesday.

[@axjason]

I’ve never watched the Addams family, the original chorus, but after watching this on Netflix, I freaking dig the shit out of it it’s dark it’s sarcastic. It’s everything I like about Jenna Ortega’s role now I am going to go out and buy a two seasons of the Addams family. Can’t wait for more episodes of Wednesday. !